Leading the FutureInnovation with vision for the future

Often complimented as “the first, the best, and the leader,” Kim & Chang has established itself as the cornerstone for the present and future of the Korean legal services industry.  As a leading global institution, we will continue our dedication to creating a better future for our clients and our society.

Broadening Horizons World’s top 100 law firm

As the first-ever Korean law firm to be named in the “2014 Global 100 Report” published by leading law magazine The American Lawyer, Kim & Chang cemented itself as an international law firm.  In 2017, Kim & Chang was the first-ever Asian law firm to be named “Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year” by Who’s Who Legal, published by the London-based Law Business Research.

• Recognized as one of the world’s top 100 law firms -- The American Lawyer
• Ranked 8^th in the field of tax law -- Tax Directors Handbook
• Named as the “Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year” in 2017 -- Who’s Who Legal
• Ranked 24^th in the field of international arbitration -- Global Arbitration Review (GAR)
• Official launch of “Kim & Chang Committee for Social Contribution” to fulfill our social responsibilities and practice sharing
• Partnered with the Ministry of Justice to introduce the Korean legal system in Indonesia
• Opened office in Hong Kong, the financial hub of Asia
• Opened office in Vietnam, an emerging market in Southeast Asia

Raising the BarGlobalization of Korean law firms

Kim & Chang pioneered the globalization of Korean law firms. In 2007, we served as the lead counsel for a Korean company in its acquisition of a foreign multinational company, the largest-ever overseas acquisition by a Korean company.  Kim & Chang spearheaded a team of 23 overseas law firms and advised 72 companies based in 27 countries.

• First Korean law firm to become No. 1 in the Asia-Pacific region -- M&A transactions in the Asia-Pacific region
• Served as lead counsel in international arbitration cases
• Advised on domestic and overseas listing by Korean companies
• Served as lead counsel for Korean companies in overseas investments
• Established the “Public Service Research Center,” laying the foundation for broad-based pro bono activities
• Received the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Award in recognition of our contribution through legal services

Rising to LeadershipTake-off to becoming No. 1 in Korea

Kim & Chang witnessed the continuous growth in the capability of our talent pool through the influx of young and outstanding talent and the creation of opportunities for exposure to hands-on professional experience in significant projects and complex legal issues.  This, in turn, led us to various landmark projects, enabling unprecedented growth.

• Recruitment of talented pool of new attorneys
• Increase in legal advice for joint ventures in Korea’s full-scale opening of its market to foreign investments
• Advised on international finance such as overseas issuance of securities -- introduction of advanced financing techniques
• Strengthening of the litigation practice through recruitment of former judges
• Contributed to the building of Korea’s core industries through advisory work in the automobile, telecommunications and energy sectors
• Became the first in the industry to introduce an overseas training program for its attorneys

Breaking New GroundsAdvanced global legal services model into Korea

For the Korean economy, the 1970s marked a period of rapid growth, ushered in by the Korean government’s implementation of a series of Five-Year Economic Development Plans.  In parallel, demands from companies for legal services sharply increased.  In 1973, Kim & Chang entered the domestic legal services market and introduced an international legal services model for Korea.

• Co-founded by Young-Moo Kim, the first Korean to become a US qualified attorney, and Soo-Kil Chang
• Started by offering legal services to foreign banks in Korea
• Advised domestic banks and companies on their procurements of overseas loans